Lidl Plans Expansion In United States; Threatens Walmart, Other Leading Retailers

German discount retailer Lidl’s expansion plans in the United States threaten to disrupt the retail and grocery markets in the country, according to analysts. Lidl and rival Aldi doubled their market share in one year in the UK, accounting for 10 percent of that market, according to Spieckerman Retail CEO Carol Spieckerman. In October 2015, Lidl began construction of a planned regional headquarters and distribution center in Virginia; a month later, the company announced expansion plans in North Carolina. Lidl and Aldi operate stores that are more self-serve, have lower operating costs, and have business models that pose serious threat to Walmart and other leading retailers in the country.